Youth Justice Social Worker - Wellington

Marketplace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible work options

Professional development

Supportive team environment

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children seeks a Youth Justice Social Worker to support the Greater Wellington Region. The role is permanent full-time and can be based in Porirua, Kapiti, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, or Wellington.

You will work with rangatahi, their whānau, police, and community services to address underlying factors contributing to offending and reduce lifelong risk. To be considered you must hold a Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and a current Annual Practising

Qualifications

• A passion for working with youth and building relationships to support positive outcomes.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to provide feedback to courts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional reporting.
• Commitment to bi-cultural practice and Tikanga Māori, and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act and Youth Justice processes.
• Knowledge of New Zealand child protection laws.

Skills

Youth engagement

Relationship building

Written communication

Verbal communication

Bi-cultural practice

Tikanga Māori

Understanding of Youth Justice

Child protection

NZ Driver's Licence

Education

Social Work Qualification

Full Registration

Annual Practising Certificate

Job description

# Youth Justice Social Worker - Wellington at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Permanent, full time position available*** **This role supports the Greater Wellington Region and can be based in any of the following locations: Porirua, Kāpiti, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, or Wellington*** **Remuneration starting from $81,206- $97,557 based on experience****Mō te tūnga | About the role**Youth Justice is a pathway for tamariki and rangatahi who have, or are alleged to have, committed an offence. It gives them a genuine opportunity to change their lives for the better without getting a criminal record and to make positive strides forward.In this role as a Youth Justice Social Worker within the team, you will work in partnership with rangatahi, their whānau, police, youth advocates and essential government and community support services to address the underlying factors that contribute to offending as early as possible, to reduce the potential for lifelong offending.This role will provide a real opportunity to positively influence rangatahi, and whānau in your community. Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any tamariki and rangatahi can, and should flourish.**To be considered for this position you must hold a Social Work Qualification and/or Full Registration and a current Annual Practicing Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board.****Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring*** A passion for working with youth, connecting, understanding and building relationships to help provide positive outcomes for our rangatahi* A Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and current Annual Practising Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board* Excellent relationship building skills* Strong written and verbal communication skills (you will need to provide professional written and verbal feedback to the courts)* A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach (including a good Understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)* An understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act and Youth Justice processes* Proven expertise and social work practice in child protection and an understanding of New Zealand Legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people* Full clean New Zealand drivers licence is required (*(historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)***Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience and offer progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/**Mō mātou | About us**Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:* We put **Tamariki**first* We believe **Aroha** is vital* We respect the **Mana** of people* We are **Tika** and **Pono*** We value **Whakapapa*** We recognise that **Oranga**is a journeyWe are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact Info\\[e-mail]**Applications close: Friday 20th of November 2026,** we will be reviewing and inviting candidates to **interview as we go** so get your application in now!! Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert early if the role is filled.*If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.*